The Difference a Week Makes

Ballmarks

Assuming the position

I'll skip reminding everyone to fix their ball marks this week because I'm pretty sure we're all doing it now..  

Except for those few holdouts who aren't -- and I bet they don't read this blog anyway.  

So, for THEIR sake, here's a link to a 2011 Greener Notes entry on how to fix a ball mark in case you're ever playing behind them.

If you know you're doing it correctly, fantastic!  But if you're unsure, or curious, and want to see how the pros do it - click this way. 

Recovery is Coming (GoT)

Here's a few pictures of where we were just weeks ago.  Thanks again for your patience.  I know it's frustrating to have to avoid greens.  We'll be done with this recovery as soon as the plants can support foot traffic without tearing, but no sooner.  Where the poa is not coming back, we'll be waiting for germination of new bentgrass plants which comes with warmer temperature.

4 green  4/13/14

4 green 4/29/14

4 green new growth 4/28/14

9 green 4/7/14

9 green 4/27/14

The freeze-injured areas are gaining ground every week.  Still hopeful for a Memorial weekend opening for them. 

Operative word: 'hopeful'.    

Still waiting for consistent warmer temperatures.  Good growing weather has been elusive. 

Latest USGA Report 

RE: Winter injury/recovery

A Silver Lining (link)

Tees

You'll notice the tees we were working on are almost finished.  I decided to re-strip two more tees on #6 where we tried to recycle old tee sod to save a few dollars - wasn't worth it.  The sod looked horrible from the beating it took over the winter and the growing conditions this spring have been unkind for getting it to knit-in.  

We had some leftover strips of nice sod from  11 and 13 so decided to use it on 6.  All tees will be tweaked for alignment and smoothness before they're opened.  Have no doubt they'll be rolled with our greens roller for a final smoothing once the roots take hold.   

Curb Your Enthusiasm

We're going to be trying a curb extruding machine, this month, to protect tee and green cart path edges.  We'll be experimenting with our own concrete mix, as well as bagged mix, to get the look we're after.  It will also give the cart paths a cleaner look as it helps guide cart traffic around the course. We still struggle, as most courses do,  with 'cart pilots' driving where they like instead of where they're supposed to go. This will cut down on worn and trampled turf and the cluttering look of ropes and stakes.  Holes 6 and 12 will be where we start. We'll use these first holes to get a feel for the machine and how long the process takes. 

Here's how the finished product looks.  We thought it was a handsome feature and affordable to boot.  Pictures from Conklin Players Club who use the same type of extruder to great effect.